Sara Dalrymple is a London photographer who specialises in natural, relaxed and fun photography that puts even the most camera shy people at ease. Weddings | Families | Headshots

Why a box-fresh headshot is an essential part of your PR toolkit

I know you know this already, but I’m going to say it anyway: as consumers today we are making our purchasing decisions based on so much more than the product or service on offer – we want more than ever to get to know the person behind the business, the personal brand, the values you hold and all the things that make your business unique (hint: it’s YOU!). And so like it or not, as a business owner, in order to properly tell your story you need to be visible in all that you do.

Listen, I know having your photo taken makes most of us feel a bit clammy and ever so anxious, but I’m here to tell you that the humble headshot has majorly upped it’s game, and is no longer the stuffy corporate affair it once was. Now you can actually have fun with your headshots, and I wholeheartedly encourage doing so because who wants to buy from someone who doesn’t look like they’re enjoying what they’re doing?! Having a headshot that shows you in your best light and that you’re happy to accompany any copy you are putting out into the world has never been so important. Feel-good headshots make ALL the difference when it comes to adding personality to your brand, not to mention the confidence these guys will give you to show up as many places online as possible. If you want maximum bang for your buck, your headshots need to be a reflection of your brand, but also of you, and most of all they need to be something you’re proud to show off, as if you hide away from your dream clients, how can they start to connect with you as a person? Selfies from 5 years ago, badly lit photos taken against a crappy backdrop or stiff corporate headshots just aren’t going to cut it in today’s visual era – the modern, fresh headshot is your new BFF, and here’s why:

If you’re on a mission to promote your business and get more PR, before you even begin you need to get your assets in order - preparation is key! Think of a kickass headshot and a brilliant bio as The Power Couple of PR: who you are and what you do are the building blocks of any PR campaign. Once you’ve written your winning bio you need to get your confidence soaring with a headshot that makes you feel a million dollars. I’m not talking glam and glitzy (unless that’s your thing) but a well lit, professional photo that shows you as your best self, taken by somebody who knows how to get you to let your guard down, getting the best out of you without you even realizing.

If PR is getting you and your products / service featured in the press, once you have your headshot and bio nailed, you’ll need to prepare a collection of good quality photos that show off all that you do, because if a journalist wants to feature you they will ask for these faster than you can say stop press. Having a collection of consistent photos of you, your workspace and candid shots of you doing all the things you do will make your brand come to life and tell your story in ways copy alone just can’t. Timings rarely allow you to squeeze in a shoot at this point, so it’s essential to have a collection of low-res image files sitting in a folder ready to go at the drop of a hat.

Next week I’ll be sharing my top tips on how to nail your headshot with no nerves whatsoever - watch this space!